In addition to the sibling rivalry that I've been observing in the eaglets there is also parental favoritism - something that most children have encountered in one form or another. It's fascinating to see this same thing being played out by eagles.
We have observed how both parents behave towards Hope during feedings countless times. Usually Honor will submissively maintain his distance while Hope gorges. And sometimes when the two eaglets are vying for food I have watched the parents cater to Hope while ignoring Honor. Every once in a while Honor will get a bite! I suspected parental favoritism although I was afraid of being anthropomorphic, but this amazing video shows it all to be true.
At first we see Hope getting all the attention from Ozzie while Honor knows his place and keeps his distance. Then when Ozzie leaves the nest Honor finally gets his chance and grabs a piece of fish and starts eating. Then Ozzie flies back to the nest and in an amazing scene, actually goes and grabs the fish away from Honor and brings it over to Hope! At one point Honor tries to get back into the act and gets pecked by Hope!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BH6721dccZI&feature=endscreen&NR=1
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